Knitting Problems?

Question

I have recently been trying to learn to knit, and am having a few problems.

First, it seems like at the beginning or end of rows when I knit, the stitches look odd. There is generally a little "loop" around the last/first stitch in the row, making it look like there is an extra stitch or something.

I have also had a lot of trouble learning the purl stitch. It does not come out even, and the loops on the needle get all crossed and messed up, particularly around the beginning and ends of rows.

The middle of the rows seem fine most of the time, and most of my problems are at the ends. Any advice?

Thanks,
John

Answer 1

One thing about the end is if you don't hold the yarn properly it can look like there is another stitch there when there really isn't. If your stitch is loose there are a couple solutions: 1) just knit it really tight. 2) slip the first stitch every row (ie don't work it, just move it from the left to right needle).



It's easier to just point you in the direction of a great website instead of trying to explain purling. Go to http://knittinghelp.com for videos on lots of knitting techniques. If you go to the "and more" section of basic techniques they show a basic project, with tips on those loose stitches, ets.



Hope this helps! (oh, and never be embarassed of being a guy who knits, I (and many others) think it's great!!)

Answer 2

This is a very common issue with new learners. When you turn the piece you are not tightening up the yarn enough hence the loopy ends. Remember to pull on the first two stitches in each row on each side and this should take care of the problem. With purling, its even more easier to leave too much loose yarn, so this seems to be the problem. Everyone has trouble with the purl stitches in the beginning, and you only need some practice, thats all. Soon enough, the purl stitch will start to feel more natural, and you will be able to tighten your stitches up without even noticing you are doing so. I promise it does get easier, and you only need to give yourself some time and practice.

Answer 3

Most people have some uneveness in the beginning and ending of each row, some people instead of knitting or purling the first stitch just slip the first stitch to the working needle and then knit or purl the second stitch, it will make a smoother edge. I always find that after I'm done knitting that steaming the knitting (you hold a steam iron over the piece without touching the knitting) or washing the knitting (use what ever method is suggested by the manufacturer, hand washing or machine washing) will get rid of a lot of uneveness.



One book that might help you is The Knitters Handbook by Montse Stanley, it has a lot of information.



Enjoy your knitting, it is a wonderful hobby!

Answer 4

John, great to hear that you're knitting.



First: you do have 2 stitches. Just pull your yarn downward and you'll see that gives you one again. (When you see 2, that's another way to increase your stitches.) In order to get it to look more even just slip the first stitch of every row - don't knit it, just move it from the left hand needle to the right hand needle.



Second: when learning the purl stitch this always happens. My advice is to slow down and be very methodical and talk out loud if necessary. *Put needle in through the back pointing outward and toward you. Wrap (drape) the yarn around the needle from right to left, then pull it through the loop to make a new loop on the right needle. Put yarn BACK in the front of your work. Breathe. Repeat from *.



Knit on!

Answer 5

way cool! I love to see (well whatever you want to call it) guys knitting!

So many previous answers hit your question about your first stitch. I will say I have such a hard time. I just knit the first and last stitch very tight. I know that there is also a yarn over technique but I can't find it right now... hmmm

A site that has helped me a lot when I Have to learn stitches and techniques is knittinghelp.com they have a ton of videos and help.

I can't think of the book that had the yarn over technique.... It had the einstien jacket... ugh! Well if I ever find it. Maybe google einstien jacket, she has a series of books just knit stitch then purl stitch. If you can find it.

Answer 6

First off, guys do knit and they meet great girls that way! Guys knitting will always attract a lot of attention. I've had male friends help me with my knitting when I was first learning and they had years of experience at it.



Keep practicing your purl stitch. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was a perfect purl stitch. Be sure you're pulling the stitch all the way through and all the way off the needle correctly. Purl a few stitches slowly and watch yourself do it. Reread your instructions out loud to yourself and see if you're doing it exactly as written. If not, modify it a little. If you learned from a friend rather than a book, ask your friend to watch you. See if he or she can help. Then, practice!



Keep at it and you'll have a skill for a lifetime of enjoyment.

Answer 7

Greetings

If your are working in garter stitch (knitting every row), slip the first stitch and purl the last stitch of every row~this will give you a ladder effect on the ends.~Happy knitting!!!!